Corey Crawford, who recorded his 50th career victory with his 32-save effort against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday night that snapped the Hawks' four-game losing skid, started the previous two contests.

Emery is 9-3-2 with a 2.72 goals-against average and .906 save percentage this season as the Hawks' No. 2 netminder.

Marcus Kruger was among the Hawks who partcipated in Wednesday's optional practice but the rookie center likely won't play against Minnesota.He missed his sixth consecutive game Wednesday.

"He's getting close," coach Joel Quenneville said of Kruger, who hasn't played since Dec. 26 against the Blue Jackets. "I don't think we're looking at (Thursday) but we're maybe looking closer to the weekend."

The news on veteran Daniel Carcillo doesn't sound as promising as the winger could be facing surgery for a left leg injury suffered Jan. 2 against the Edmonton Oilers. The Hawks have been mum on Carcillo's status as he's serving a seven-game suspension for an illegal hit on the Oilers' Tom Gilbert during which both players were injured.

"Danny, there's a chance he may have to have surgery," Quenneville said. When asked if it could possibly be season-ending, Quenneville said, "Well, we'll see."

As far as when a decision will be made (or announced), Quenneville only said: "Whether it's at the discussion stages or where we're at, it's still out there."